Dwight Howard added 19 points and 13 rebounds for Houston, which had lost four of five. But the Rockets proved resilient against the Blazers, rallying to tie it at 95 on Harden's layup with 7:40 left, then taking the lead on Howard's dunk.

The Rockets pushed with lead to 106-98 with 2:59 left and Portland couldn't catch up. Harden's layup and a pair of free throws stretched the lead to 112-102 and out of reach.

Damian Lillard had 23 points for the Blazers, who had won 15 of their last 18 to move into playoff position in the Western Conference. CJ McCollum added 20 points.